pressure or swelling in throat large thyroid

[Mylie]

I have a feeling of pressure or swelling in my throat for over 5 years,was told my thyroid was enlarged however tests are normal. My throat does not look like a gioter out side but I can feel the enlargement on the right and left side of neck. It almost feels as if someone is chocking me. Doctors have no idea what this could be. I seem to have trouble loosing weight, and at times I have no energy. I have had stelite ganglion blocks in the past injected into my throat for RSD, do you think this might have done something to damage my thyroid or maybe something else in my throat. Or could this felling in my throat have something to do with a disc in my neck. I know I have trouble with C-5 and C-6 and I do have numbness and popping or cracking and a fluid like sensation with pain in left shoulder and sometimes mid way down the arm. I am tired of doctors telling me they don't know.I hope someone knows or can point me in the right direction. Thank you soo; much for your time.

[Mylie]

Thanks for the tip on the Thyroglobulin Antibody test. All I know is if one more doctor claims I have GERD. I'm going to scream! Thanks for your help.     Mylie

[Mylie]

Oh my "GOD"! This is what I tell my friends, the best way I describe it with Homer choking Bart. I don't feel the burning but, my throat turns so red as if I have a sunburn. The Doctor say's maybe your going through menapause, If that were the case my test should show something after five years you think. I really don't think half the doctors know what there talking about. You know just what it feels like and you brought a little laughter along with the simpsons.  Thanks Stella5349      Mylie

[stella5349]

5 years I suffered starting with a feeling of something stuck in my throat and that grew to the point where I felt I was choking right after I had RAI.  When I started on the forum I had it so bad I use to compare it the the cartoon of the Simpon's with Homer choking Bart in the series when he was upset with him.

It got so bad that I actually felt my neck "burning" like a sunburn around my whole neck region.

Getting my thyroidtitis under control control with Hashimoto and getting my bado back in balance with minerals and supplement has toally taken that away.

I can't speak for your other Dx's - but it is inflammation - whether thyroid only related or disk inflammation.

Get on the proper anti-inflammatory supplement for a while and see if that helps. Magnesium citrate - sea salt water and Aleve may help alot.

It took about two weeks after I figured this out to become symptom free.

[malab23]

I would get sick(er) if I added up the amount of money I've spent trying to get a diagnosis!  It's quite disgusting, this health care system of ours!  It took a year and a half to find out I had Hashimotos and I'm still not being treated because my levels are normal like yours with the exception of the antibody test.  Its odd but you can have symptoms of Hypo or Hyper yet your labs don't reflect it!  Many doctors won't treat you at this stage.

[dgarv]

Thanks Malab12,
I have looked on all my blood work and do not see that test.  The blood work that I got done was over $700 !!  It is crazy!  

[dgarv]

To: Mylie
I was not taking the mega vitamins with any medicene.  I have been off of everything.  My TSH is 4.47 which the doc says is very low.  My T4 is 1.1 and my T-3 is 292.    I don't understand much of this stuff.  
I just don't know if taking out the thyroid is what I want to do.

[malab23]

When you have your thyroid levels tested ask for a thyroglobulin antibody test to be included.  If your levels are high this will tell you that you have Hashimotos, meaning your immune system is attacking your thyroid gland and this will eventually lead to Hypothyroidism.  Its not as bad as it sounds, you'll just need to take thyroid replacement. I've been told acid reflux as well, but I know that's definitely not my problem.  Good luck to you both!

[Mylie]

What kind of blood test did you have? I agree acid reflux, this seems to be a catch all for everything.I don't think you have acid reflux, maybe the mega vitamins along with the medication you are already taking is to much. I have never had a headache when I have this swelling in my throat, I would let the doctor know about this. Good luck to you hope your feeling better soon, keep us posted.         Mylie

[dgarv]

I just found this site by accident.  I wanted to learn more about the blood test that I just got taken.  I too have the swelling in my throat.  I have been to many doctors.  It all started whenever my doctor put me on thyroid medicene to boost my thyroid.  Many doctors try to tell me it is acid reflux, but I know it is not.  I tried some mega vitamins and my throat started swelling again, found out it had 1500mg of idodine in them.  I have gained tons of weight and am so tired all the time.  Whenever my throat swells on me I have a horrible headache too.

[Mylie]

The doctor claims my TSH levels are normal, most recent I had a complete blood count done and my WBC was high, and my Lymphocyte were low.and my ABS Neutrophil was high sugessting a infection. However the doctor has no Idea where the infection is I do not feel sick. I have heard the same thing from so many doctors.I did look up Hashimotos and that sounds just like the path I need to follow. Thank you so much for your help, It seems today we have to figure out what is wrong with ourselves.   Mylie

[Mylie]

I was so happy to hear your RSD is under control, The placement of the spinal cord stimulator was a nightmare, you have to be awake for this when they place it in the right spot the pain does go away it has many bad outcomes if things go wrong. My RSD was not caught early enough, so the damage is done I no longer have the use of my left arm. But I have learned many ways to deal with this pain without all the drugs and torture. Continue to see your doctor to keep this under control. You must be strong and not allow the pain to take over. Good luck and I hope the day comes soon that you suffer no longer.                  Mylie

[malab23]

Do you know what your normal thyroid levels(TSH) were?  Swelling of the gland is a symptom of hypothyroidism.  Hashimotos is also called Autoimmune Thyroiditis.  It means your immune system is attacking your thyroid eventually leading to hypothyroidism. but in the mean time your TSH can be normal but you still have symptoms.  It can be very frustrating.

[Shari4]

Yes, my RSD is under control, but I still see the neuro every three months.  I opted not to have the spinal cord stimulator put in because of sheer fright!  I got the RSD as a result of my sural nerve being crushed in three places because the Doctor "forgot" to put proper padding between my left leg and the table staps that hold you in place while you are handing upside down for a 7 hour spinal fusion.  When I woke, my back felt fine, but my left foot was ON FIRE!!!  Has been this way since May 29, 1996.  Now I have thyroid problems.  Wonder if any of this is related??  Good luck to you.  RSD really *****!

[Mylie]

Thanks for your reply, You are right ibuprofen does help a little except, I know you can't keep taking large amounts do to the stomach, Why iI felt like I might be the only one who had this. I'm not sure but I know there must be an answer for this. I'm not sure if I had an ultrasound do they use dye for this? I do think it will end up being Thyroid related. But I am going to look up Hashimotos right now. Thanks again for your imput. Mylie

[Mylie]

Hi Shari4, I have had RSD SINCE 1995, had a cyst removed on my left wrist, and woke up from what a doctor would confirm about 3 months into my torture as RSD. It stays in my left arm and shoulder a couple of times it went into my leg but for the most part it is in my left arm. My fingers are in atrophy the wrist is locked there's not much left as far as muscle. My shoulder freezes up and the hand drips with sweat. I have seen the best neurologist. I have had care for this however not with a lot of luck. My last treatment for RSD I had 4 years ago I had a spinal cord stiulator placed. I picked up Mersa, the stimulator had to be removed. I have had blocks in my spine as well. I hope they bring you relief. You could be right maybe it is scar tissue. I hope your RSD is under control I would not wish this on anyone, be strong. Thanks again for your reply.        Mylie

[malab23]

I have the swelling in my throat too.  My thyroid is enlarged but my TSH levels are "normal" so I'm not on any medication yet.  It helps a little to take ibuprofen.  Have you had an ultrasound scan of the thyroid?  And have you been tested for Hashimotos?

[Shari4]

Looks like we posted at the same time!  40 times may have damaged a nerve.  Why did they do injections in your throat???

[Shari4]

Hi, Mylie:

I also have RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/CRPS as it is now known as) in my left leg and foot.  Got it over 12 years ago after a spinal fusion.  I have had lumbar sympathetic blocks in my spine.  How did you get RSD?  It is very possible that what you are feeling is from scar tissue at the injection site, or a damaged nerve.  How long ago were your blocks?  Do you see a neurologist?  Have you had any tests on your throat (ultrasound, sonogram) or blood work?  Where is your RSD?

[Mylie]

Thanks for your reply, I have been to so many specialist, I have been scoped down the throat, I have been to auto ammune specialists. I have had x-rays , I have seen an ENT, I have been to an Obgyn, I have been to a neurologist. RSD, is reflex sympothedic dystrophy this disorder was caused from removal of a ganglion cyst on my wrist after the doctor cut a radial nerve by accident. It is a chronic pain disorder, however it has nothing to do with my throat except the pain clinic would inject the nerves in my throat to block the pain signal . I wonder if all those injections ,I had at least 40 might have damaged something. I am so tired of doctors telling me they don't know. Thanks again for your imput.        Mylie

[Linda1068]

Have you been to a specialist? You didn't mention that. I don't know what RSD is, sorry. Can't the docs do an ultrasound or something to see if you have anything there? I am so new to all of this thyroid business. I think I'll visit a library and read up on all of this to educate myself.